For the final stretch of my road trip vacation I stopped in Yakima to see some good friends. I've hiked Cowiche Canyon before, with these people even, but this warranted a trip report because we visited the Wilridge Winery at the top of the canyon and had a glass of wine during our hike; something I've always wanted to do!
The trail to the winery is unmarked. If you're coming from the east trailhead parking area, it's probably a bit more than a mile from the trailhead, just past a small bridge over the creek running through the canyon.
While the trail through Cowiche Canyon is quite wide and flat, the trail to the winery is steep and in places a little bit gravel-strewn. You'll want to watch your step on the way, especially if you partake in a little vino at the top.
There was some very strong wind up top, and my friends who were in shorts and t-shirts were cold by the time we headed back to the car. Luckily, once you're in the canyon, things warm up (or at least, the breeze can't get to you quite as well) and it's a much more pleasant walk back.
Views from the canyon rim included Mount Adams and the surrounding Yakima Valley. It was very pretty, and I'm thrilled we did this one!
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